The Māui dolphin population is on a knife-edge but researchers say the latest headcount is showing some encouraging signs.
A new survey of the critically endangered mammal has just been completed and it's part of major efforts to help ensure the survival of the species.
They're one of the world's rarest dolphins - and they call New Zealand home.
But with just 63 Māui dolphins remaining in our waters, time is dangerously close to running out.
"They are very much on the brink of extinction," Greenpeace campaigner Jessica Desmond told Newshub.
The dolphins are only found on the west coast between Auckland and Taranaki, which is where researchers have been tracking down and counting the elusive mammals.
"Basically we're out on the water looking to see if we can find the dolphin, take photographs of the dolphin," said Ian Angus Department of Conservation manager of marine species.
And if possible, staff will take a tiny sample of skin and blubber to study back on land.
"What we're looking to establish is the trend of the dolphin, how are they doing over time," Angus said.
While the official survey results are still a few months away, the Department of Conservation is pleased with what they've found.
"We saw some calves that's really encouraging because it means we've got some young ones coming through which is exactly what we want to see, we just want to see more of them," Angus said.
But it's an incredibly slow process.
Female Māui dolphins can't breed until they're at least seven years old and then they can only give birth once every two to four years.
"There are maybe 15 breeding females so at this point any Māui dolphin death is catastrophic," Desmond said.
New protections, mostly targeting set-net fishing, were put in place on the west coast last year to help avoid further disaster.
Greenpeace wants tougher action, and to extend restrictions across the entire country.
"We can't draw a circle around the 60 dolphins that are left and just make sure we don't kill those ones. We need to be protecting their full natural habitat."
To help give Māui their best chance at survival.
